March 2025 CDE Update for Superintendents and BOCES directors

Welcome to the CDE Update! This monthly publication for district superintendents and BOCES directors will show you what is happening in key priority areas at CDE and include details on implementation, milestones, deadlines and resources.

If you have any feedback regarding the CDE Update, email CDE_Communications_Office@cde.state.co.us.

Dear Superintendents and BOCES directors,

It is conference season, and I appreciate the opportunities I've had over the last month to connect with you and hear your insights on our work together.

Teacher licensure requirements updates and feedback request
We’re initiating changes pursuant to SB25-154 to update endorsement requirements. Candidates for elementary and Special Education Generalist endorsements would no longer need to demonstrate subject matter competency in science and social studies. However, they will still need to show competency in teaching reading and math. Special Educators would also need to show competency in special education. Early Childhood Special Educators would need to demonstrate competency in Reading, Early Childhood Special Education and Math (new). They would no longer be required to pass the Early Childhood Praxis. We’d love your feedback! Please take a few minutes to share your feedback on these changes through this survey. It is open until Thursday, March 6. Learn more in this letter.

New Praxis Bridge option for aspiring educators
We are the first state to offer the Praxis Bridge through ETS, a new option to support aspiring teachers who almost pass their Praxis exams. This affordable, time-efficient alternative helps more educators enter classrooms without retaking the full exam. Learn more in February's Educator Talent Newsletter.

Homegrown Talent Initiative at Holyoke
Holyoke School District's Homegrown Talent Initiative offers hands-on learning through internships, trade certifications, and over 70 college courses. Our Chief Talent Officer Dr. Margarita Tovar spoke with Superintendent Kyle Stumpf for a District Spotlight to learn more about this work. If you are interested in participating in a District Spotlight to highlight the innovative work happening in your district, please let me know.

I hope to see you next week at the monthly superintendent Zoom meeting on Tuesday, March 11 at 8 a.m. These optional meetings are always on the second Tuesday of the month at 8 a.m. on Zoom.

CDE Update format revisions
We've heard your feedback! This month's CDE Update has a shorter bulleted format and a new section for action items.

Thank you for all that you do,

Susana

Dr. Susana Córdova
Colorado Commissioner of Education

Action Items

Open 3/19/25 – 4/25/25: Alternative Education Campus applications and renewals

This process is for schools reapplying for 2025-26 and first-time applicants who notified CDE by Jan. 31.
Pre-populated data will be available in the Data Pipeline system.
Contact for questions: April Thompson at thompson_april@cde.state.co.us.

Due 4/16/25: 2025-26 Early Literacy Assessment Tool Applications

Schools can apply to access this (optional) State Board-approved K-3 reading assessment that provides real-time data on students' literacy skills. Applications are due April 16th, 2025.

Due 5/9/25: Reduced 2025-2026 Academic Calendar Requests

Reduced academic calendar requests must be submitted via the Data Pipeline Directory Collection by Friday, May 9.
Districts on district-wide Performance Watch applying for all schools must also submit the District-Wide Performance Watch - Reduced Academic Calendar Form.
Contact for questions: DirectoryData@cde.state.co.us.

Due 6/30/25: School code change requests

Change request forms are required for school name changes, school grade changes, new school codes, and closing or merging school codes.
Superintendent sign-off is required.
Contact for questions: DirectoryData@cde.state.co.us

Due 12/31/25: Training on preventing discrimination in schools required by SB 24-162

SB 24-162 requires public schools to provide anti-discrimination training for all school employees
Training must be consistent with these best practices; look for additional resources from us this spring.
Contact for questions: Joanna Bruno at bruno_j@cde.state.co.us.

Reminders and FYI Items

Educator Talent

Reminder: the ELPD requirement for licensure starts this year
- Effective Sept. 1, teachers renewing licenses with an endorsement in elementary education, English language arts, math, science, social studies, or any middle-level subject must complete English Learner Professional Development (ELPD).
- Contact for questions: educator_development@cde.state.co.us
ELPD waiver applications will be opening soon
- English Language Learning professional development requirement waivers will be available for educators in districts or CSI-authorized charter schools with an EL population of 2% or less over three years.
- Superintendents or CSI charter leaders must request waivers.
The CTE Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources credential is back
- This credential has been temporarily reinstated; learn more: CTE webpage, credential worksheet, and application checklist.
Webinar on Supporting International Teachers in Induction
- Our two-part series for induction leaders takes place Wednesday, March 12, and Thursday, March 13. Register by Monday, March 10.
- Contact for questions: educator_development@cde.state.co.us.
Optional Colorado Performance Management System stakeholder opportunity
- We're hosting a virtual meeting on Thursday, April 3, from 8–9:30 a.m. to explore SES options for annual educator evaluation data collection in COPMS in RANDA.
- Express interest via this application form by Friday, March 7.
- Contact for questions: educator_development@cde.state.co.us.

Communications Tools

Information for supporting students during Ramadan
- This Ramadan resource sheet is designed for educators and school staff to support students and families who are observing Ramadan from Feb. 28 until March 28.
Nominations are open for Colorado's 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year
- Anyone can nominate a teacher, and districts can use our Teacher of the Year communications toolkit to spread the word. Nominations close on Monday, March 17.
- Contact for questions: Mikaley Osley at osley_m@cde.state.co.us.

Health & Nutrition

Colorado Project AWARE Mental Health Screening Toolkit
- This toolkit provides resources and guidance on implementing universal mental health screening in schools.
- Share feedback via this survey and sign up here for future training updates.
- Contact for questions: coaware@cde.state.co.us.
Pilot program on dental health through Senate Bill 24-142
- CDPHE's Oral Health Unit offers free screenings for kindergarten and 3rd-grade students in the 2024-25 school year.
- Contact for questions: Robyn Maestas at robyn.maestas@state.co.us.

Professional Learning & Resources

3/4/25: Webinar on OERColorado educator resource hub
- Join a webinar at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4 to learn about the OERColorado hub for free, openly licensed educational resources.
Ongoing: Virtual training for expulsion hearing officers.
- House Bill 23-1291 requires expulsion hearing officers to complete a five-hour training program within thirty days of starting.
- Training options are available on our website.
- Contact for questions: Jewel Sale at sale_j@cde.state.co.us.
Optional Youth Military Auxiliary programs
- If your district/school is interested in creating a Youth Military Auxiliary program such as Civil Air Patrol or Young Marines, please contact Alex Nikiforoff at alex.nikiforoff@dmva.state.co.us.
Guidance on implementation/adoption of high-quality instructional materials
- Our guide outlines steps for evaluation and implementation, with support materials for subjects like English language arts, math, social studies, science, and more.
- Contact for questions: CDE subject-area specialists
New K-12 math interventions are now available
- Co-created with Colorado educators, these new resources, assessments and activities designed for educators, families and out-of-school time professionals.
- Contact for questions: mathacceleration@cde.state.co.us.
Powerful Practice: Evidence-Informed Math Teaching Educator Learning Cohort
- This no-cost, asynchronous learning opportunity includes guides for school or district-wide learning plans, with virtual discussion groups and optional graduate credit available.
- Priority registration for 2025 is open on our website.
- Contact for questions: Joe Brenkert at brenkert_j@cde.state.co.us.